skip to main content

Home Repair Garages/Workshops garden

Craftsman lt1500 lawn tractor engine turns over but won’t start.

4 years ago

Ok, I’m at my wits end. As you can see by the title I have a ride on mower that just won’t start. Motor turns over but just won’t run. I have clean fuel, replaced fuel filter, replaced magneto, replaced spark plug, checked All safety switches even removed the “kill wire” from magneto motor still won’t run. I have spark. Even used starter fluid directly into carburetor????? Any advice is appreciated!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
4 years ago
Last time I messed with a Craftsman tractor was over 30 years ago...and as far as I remember there a few things you can try is to spray starter fluid into engine cylinder. Take the air filter off and spray some starter fluid into the cylinder (not to much) through the carburetor air intake. If the engine starts and dies it would mean you have spark and compression.

Next check the wire to the fuel solenoid, if the wire is lose or disconnected the solenoid wont open and you not getting gas to your carburetor.

If that checks out, next check the fuel supply lines and filter and make sure there is no blockage and filter is clean because if not enough air going in, it will not start. Make sure you have fresh fuel (if it was sitting for a while). If everything checks out it could be the carburetor fuel mixing screw (if your model has it on carburetor) that needs adjustment (heck the manual they should have it in there how to adjust).

If everything checks out could be that you need to repair the carburetor or get a rebuilt one, next it could be the timing for the spark is off or could be ignition coil, etc items that you need testing equipment and should take to a lawnmower shop unless you know what you doing.
HU-517794329
Original Author
4 years ago
I did the ole starter fluid trick...did not start. I do have compression AND spark. I checked both. While the spark plug was out I turned motor over and out of the hole gas was misting. I assume I have gas all the way through carb to cylinder? Mower still does not start? I’m thinking if your comment about ”timing for spark is off” how do I check this or better yet where is that adjusted? Btw thank you very much for your comments, I really appreciate it.
Related Discussions
Craftsman Lawn Tractor Cranks but won't Start
Q
Comments (10)
I take it that the engine does not even TRY to start, but just spins when the starter is engaged. You need to make the test that mownie suggested. There are probably more safety interlocks than just the seat switch, and one of them could be "shorting" out the system. There is likely one on the clutch/brake pedal, and another on the PTO lever (the one that engages the blades), and one on the shift mechanism (to prevent starting if the transmission is in gear.) Testing these will require a multimeter. There is also a ground wire from the engine to the frame; typically on Husqvarna/AYP/Electrolux/Roper machines, it is a rather small black wire that is attached to the underside of the tractor frame just below the engine and inside the right front wheel. You've likely got a bad magneto or (more likely) either an electrical short caused by chafed insulation, corrosion, or loose connection, or a malfunctioning safety interlock switch. This all based on your being certain that there is no spark at the plug.
...See More
Craftsman Lawn Tractor Won't Start
Q
Comments (4)
I somehow edited some sentences from my above post. I'll try again. cecr, download the PDF manual as suggested by Bill. Look at the schematic. As Bill said, try "jumping" from the battery positive cable on the solenoid to the small terminal (WHITE wire post). If this makes the solenoid engage and motorize the starter, there is nothing amiss with these 2 items and the defect is "upstream". Using a 12 volt test light or a multimeter (set to DC volts scale) check for voltage at the B terminal on ignition switch. If you do not show voltage on B terminal, the problem is in the wiring between B terminal and the battery. If you do have voltage present on the B terminal of switch go to the next step. Check for voltage at the white wire on ignition switch WHILE the switch is turned to the start position. If you have no voltage on the white wire (while in start position) the ignition switch is defective. If you have voltage present on the white wire (in start position), the ignition switch is good. Next you need to find the clutch/brake safety switch. Beware that in the process of performing any of these tests, your movement of the wire connectors could restore a loose fitting connection and suddenly cause the starter to begin turning. The clutch/brake pedal must be pushed down completely and locked before doing the testing. While holding the ignition switch in the start position, check for voltage on the 2 white wires of the clutch/brake switch. If the switch is defective (or not being properly actuated) you will have voltage present at only one white wire. If the switch is not mounted securely in its fixture, or has become "out of adjustment", it might act like it's defective also. Be sure that the switch is secured properly. If you find the switch is properly mounted and voltage is present at BOTH white wires, the defect is in the wiring or connectors somewhere between the clutch/brake switch and the small white wire post on the solenoid.
...See More
Craftsman Lawn Tractor Won't Start
Q
Comments (65)
Seat switch connector has a built in "shorting bar" which will close the kill circuit when the connector is unplugged from the switch. Unplugging the connector from the switch gives the same results as if the seat is not occupied. Seat switch is just one switch in the safety interlock circuitry that can cause the engine to have no spark. The brake pedal interlock switch is actually 2 switches in one assembly. One of the brake switches is dedicated to starter inhibition, and the other switch is to kill spark and stop the engine. The PTO switch also has a circuit dedicated to the kill wire. You can disconnect the kill wire from the magneto to see if that restores spark. If doing that restores spark, something is grounding the kill wire somewhere. Could be a chafed wire.
...See More
Craftsman lawn tractor makes one click but won't start.
Q
Comments (1)
A couple possibilities. That's a Briggs OHV engine. IF the valves get out of adjustment, the compression release doesn't function. OR, you simply have a bad connection in the cranking circuit. Clean the ends of all battery cables. make sure engine mounting bolts are tight. The ground side is just as important as the "hot" side. Then there's the possibility your battery has reached the end of its life. Charge & get it load tested to be sure. A bad solenoid is also a possibility. This post was edited by bill_kapaun on Sat, Nov 8, 14 at 22:34
...See More
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
4 years ago
I never got that far but generally there is a magnet located on the fly wheel and when it passes the ignition coil sends the spark. You would have to take the cover off on the top of the engine and you should see a tab there that keeps the crank shaft and the fly wheel aligned. There is also a fly wheel key that could be damaged that will also prevent the magnet pass the ignition coil when it should so that key will need to be replace.

I'm not sure if you need special tools to get inside there but as long as I remember there is one bolt in the center of it to remove the flywheel cover.

Also check the manual what the engine compression should be and if you have a tester make sure you have that but that already diving deep inside the engine and if there is low compression it could be piston rings etc you would be better off getting a new tractor.

That said I always had this issues with my Craftsman tractor, I killed it in one year and got Toro wheel-horse H-520 tractor. Never had a single issue with it and it lives up to it's name but I paid 6k for it with all the attachments and it's worth every penny.

Good luck

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Houzz Tour: Turning a ’50s Ranch Into a Craftsman Bungalow

With a new second story and remodeled rooms, this Maryland home has plenty of space for family and friends

REMODELING GUIDES You Won't Believe What These Homeowners Found in Their Walls

By Mitchell Parker

From the banal to the downright bizarre, these uncovered artifacts may get you wondering what may be hidden in your own home

GARAGES Start Your Engines: The Most Popular Garage Photos of 2016

By Becky Harris

There’s a space for you here, whether you are a total gearhead or need a nice place to park the beloved family truckster

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Making Over a Rental for About $1,500

By Becky Harris

Fresh paint, new hardware, added storage, rugs and unexpected touches breathe new life into a Los Angeles apartment’s kitchen

HOME TECH 3 Kitchen Contraptions You Won’t Believe

Pizza hot from the printer, anyone? These cooking gadgets harness imagination and high tech — and have price tags to match

LIFE Turn Off the Video Games and Turn On Your Kid's Creativity

By Alison Hodgson

Going nuts planning summer activities? Kids overdosing on screen time? It may be time to foster more self-directed play

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Turf isn't the only ground cover in town. Get a lush no-grass lawn with clover, moss and other easy-care plants

FUN HOUZZ 10 Things People Really Don’t Want in Their Homes

By Mitchell Parker

No love lost over fluorescent lights? No shocker there. But some of these other hated items may surprise you

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: Home Turns ‘Modern Farmhouse’ Upside Down

By Becky Harris

Oregon wine lovers create their rustic-contemporary dream house over time. See where they sit, sip and take in the views

EARTH DAY The Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Work less, help the environment and foster connections by just saying no to typical turf

Sponsored

Fourteen Thirty Renovation, LLC

23 Reviews

Professional Remodelers in Franklin County Specializing Kitchen & Bath

More Discussions

Exterior Makeover Help Needed

12

What color/type of caulk between countertop and stained wood trim

9

Exterior Update to Tudor House

13

What is this on my window?

2

Quartzite crack

6